The creature that looks so much like Santa was not originally a Christmas icon. Gonks are inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian mythology, who would make their home near farms where they could find food for future generations among livestock or other people’s leftover scraps at the end of each day’s meal rituals.

Are gonks and gnomes the same?

Whilst Gonks look like gnomes, the main difference is that they originate from Scandinavian folklore, are essentially their version of Santa Claus, and you do not see their eyes.

What are the origins of gonks?

The first mention of a gonk dates back to the 1600s in Norway, and possibly even earlier than that. A well-known motifs of Nordic folklore the gonks part protector/elf on shelf who watched over homes from evil while also being mischievous themselves but often had a short tempered nature towards others.

The more modern and commercial gonks have been around since the 1960s. They were created by an English inventor called Robert Benson in his garden shed, and went on to become so popular that even celebrities like Ringo Starr or Peter Sellers had them!

Why do we have gonks at Christmas?

Gonks are essentially festive Scandinavian gnomes. With just their nose and beard peaking out from under a hat like the ones Santa wears at Christmas time… these little guys are sure to bring some cheer into your home this season!

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